Meet Emily Gates

I am a committed advocate for individuals and families navigating the criminal system and family court system. My practice focuses on family law and criminal defense, and I strive to bring preparation, practical guidance, and genuine compassion to every client I serve.

I am originally from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where I learned the values of grit, determination, and hard work from my mother, who ran a successful art business from our home while raising my sisters and me, along with several German Shepherds. Watching her build something of her own inspired my own entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic.

I knew from a young age that I wanted to become an attorney. Before law school, I had the opportunity to shadow a family friend and mentor who practiced criminal defense and owned his own firm. That experience introduced me to the courtroom early on and confirmed my desire to pursue a career in law.

I earned my bachelor’s degree in Criminology with a minor in Pre-Law from the University of Tampa and later received my J.D. from the Charleston School of Law. Throughout my education, I immersed myself in the legal field by working as a legal assistant, serving as a trial practices intern for a national jury consulting group in Tampa, Florida, and clerking at a respected family law firm, where I later became an associate attorney.

Before founding my firm, I served as a juvenile prosecutor for four years in South Carolina’s First Circuit Solicitor’s Office. In that role, I handled hundreds of cases ranging from serious violent offenses to lower-level charges. That experience gave me a strong understanding of the criminal justice system and shaped the way I approach every case—with preparation, fairness, and a clear understanding of what is at stake.

I am licensed to practice law in South Carolina and Washington, D.C. I am especially passionate about advocating for children and families in crisis, and I work hard to balance strength, strategy, and compassion in sensitive legal matters.

Whether I am in family court or criminal court, my goal is to protect my clients’ rights, guide them through difficult moments, and help them move forward with confidence.

When I am not in court or at the office, I enjoy spending time with my nephews and my Golden Retriever, Blu.